What it means to be an older pup

This is a guest post from Rascal, a 11+ year old Pembroke Welsh corgi.  He live in Iowa and knows what it is like to be an older pup.

Kaley I am an 11+ year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 

Here are a few suggestions to increase a pup’s quality and length of life:

Veterinarians agree that weight control is probably the most important factor for you as you age and become a senior dog.

I know, Corgis love to eat human foods!  I am no exception to the rule, but, table scraps are not good for any pup. Healthy snacks and foods including bananas, cooked rice, cottage cheese and pumpkin to name a few.

always nice when good food tastes this good —-even if green! —– at least it does not fall apart!

apples are good too, but not sure i like the skin!

Dog foods with added vitamins, minerals and amino acids are recommended.  There are several brands of dog food on the market that are made especially for the senior dog.  I eat  Iams Active Maturity.  More expensive then regular dog food 8lb bag cost $12, but it promotes proactive health.

Exercise helps me keep trim, even if it is shorter slower walks.  No strenuous walking or running, but I do  get out and move my Corgi butt!

Bathing and grooming needs change as you age.  I seem to shed more & maybe need to be groomed more frequently.

My older bones  get arthritis.  I need a softer surface to sleep and a bit of a  warmer bed in winter.   An old bedspread or blanket can be used @ no extra cost.

it was a lil colder tonight, so needed a cover on me too!

i agree with you Rascal corgi —– best to be comfy and warm —— no need to be a senior dog for bed comfort!

Rascal Corgi you are suppose to sleep on top of your bed not under!

Eliminate stairs to climb.  Build a ramp if need.  A few boards & rug scraps stapled down (for traction)is all that is needed.  Inexpensive project.

this is so much easier for my bones! I like this non slip surface too!

gee, am i a senior?  these stairs seem to not quit —– gee, why was it i wanted to go up here again?  —– hmm, a senior moment!

Proper dental care throughout your life is crucial to preventing problems.  My chew bones are not too hard anymore.  I  broke a tooth which cost $154 to have the broken tooth removed, so now soft treats is all I get.

Providing a sensible diet, regular exercise and periodic physical examinations and vacinations by my veterinarian will provide the best chance for you to enjoy a longer and healther life.

Remind your paw parents you have lived 11 years on this earth, but that equals 60 years old in human life.  No “spring chicken”!

Thank you Rascal corgi for being my guest writer today. You might be an older pup, but you still a lot of corginess in you .. i know you still chase your ball almost everyday and that is good exercise for you!

kaley corgi kisses  :  )

rascal corgi —( pup pal of the week)

how to build a dog ramp

how to build a different kind of dog ramp

senior dog care information